Your gas pool heater is not just breaking down. It is quietly burning through hundreds of dollars every swim season at a fraction of its original efficiency. Here is how to calculate what your heater is actually costing you, whether a heat pump upgrade makes financial sense, and which models pay back fastest.
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Quick Picks at PoolPartsToGo: Fastest payback, 10K gal (confirmed COP 6.4): B+D 53,000 BTU Heat Pump ($2,199.99) Best value, 10K gal: ComforTemp 53,000 BTU Heat Pump ($1,599.99) Most affordable, up to 7,500 gal: ComforTemp 32,000 BTU Heat Pump ($1,499.99) Browse all: Pool Heat Pumps at PoolPartsToGo |
Is Your Gas Heater Actually a Money Pit?
Pool owners tend to think about their gas heater in terms of repair costs. What they usually undercount is the ongoing operating cost. A gas heater running at degraded efficiency is spending more per BTU of heat delivered with every passing season, but the cost increase is spread across monthly gas bills rather than arriving as a single repair invoice. It does not feel like a crisis. It just feels like the pool is expensive.
The six warning signs below are the clearest indicators that your gas heater has crossed from a working appliance into a money pit. If you recognize more than two, the heater is costing you more than it should.
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Warning Sign |
What It Signals |
Cost Implication |
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Gas bill higher than 3 years ago |
Degraded heat exchanger efficiency |
A cracked or fouled heat exchanger transfers heat less efficiently, burning more gas for the same output. |
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Heater cycles on and off frequently |
Improper sizing or pressure switch degradation |
Short-cycling wastes gas on ignition events and accelerates wear on every ignition-cycle component. |
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Two or more repair visits in three seasons |
Component cascade: one part fails, others follow |
Gas heater repairs typically cluster in the second half of the equipment's life. The next repair is usually more expensive. |
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Service tech recommends annual tune-up |
Normal gas heater maintenance requirement |
$150 to $250 per year in perpetuity. Heat pumps do not require annual professional service. |
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Heater over 8 years old |
Approaching end of reliable service life |
Parts availability narrows. Labor cost per repair increases. Efficiency has degraded from original specification. |
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Gas bill spikes after pool heater runs |
Confirmed operational inefficiency |
Track monthly gas bills against heater runtime logs. Significant spikes per hour of heater use indicate degraded efficiency. |
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How to Quickly Estimate What Your Gas Heater Is Costing You This Season Step 1: Find your gas heater's BTU rating (on the nameplate). Standard residential models run 100,000 to 400,000 BTU/hr. Step 2: Estimate your heater runs 6 to 8 hours per day during the active season (approximately 90 days in NY). That is 540 to 720 hours per season. Step 3: Therms used = (BTU/hr x hours) / 100,000. A 200,000 BTU heater running 630 hours uses 1,260 therms per season. Step 4: Multiply therms by your gas rate (NY average $1.30 to $1.80/therm). 1,260 therms x $1.50 = $1,890 per season for that example. If that number surprises you, the heat pump math below will too. |
How Heat Pumps Actually Cut Your Heating Bill
Understanding COP: Why Heat Pumps Are Not Just Another Electric Heater
Most pool owners assume that switching from gas to electric heating means exchanging one fuel cost for another. That assumption is wrong when the electric heater is a heat pump rather than an electric resistance heater.
A heat pump does not create heat. It moves heat from the ambient air into the pool water using a refrigerant compression cycle. Because it is transferring existing heat rather than generating heat from scratch, a heat pump can deliver far more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes. This ratio is called the Coefficient of Performance, or COP.
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Heating Technology |
Efficiency Rating |
Heat Returned per $1 of Energy |
What That Means for Your Bill |
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Natural gas heater |
80% efficient (standard) |
$0.80 in heat per $1 of gas |
Every dollar of gas cost delivers 80 cents of actual heating. 20 cents lost as exhaust and heat dissipation. |
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Propane gas heater |
80% efficient (standard) |
$0.80 in heat per $1 of propane |
Similar efficiency to natural gas, but propane is typically 2x the cost per BTU, making operating costs significantly higher. |
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Heat pump (COP 4 to 5) |
COP 4 to 5 |
$4.00 to $5.00 per $1 electric |
Captures heat from ambient air and multiplies it. Does not create heat from scratch. Works even when it feels cold outside. |
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B+D heat pump (COP 6.4) |
COP 6.4 (confirmed) |
$6.40 per $1 of electricity |
The specific B+D 53K model at PPTG. Confirmed COP of 6.4 means it extracts and transfers 6.4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity consumed. |
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Electric resistance heater |
100% efficient |
$1.00 per $1 of electricity |
Honest but expensive. Converts all electricity to heat but with no multiplication effect. More costly to operate than a heat pump. |
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What COP 6.4 Means in Plain Dollars at NY Electricity Rates At a NY electricity rate of $0.20/kWh and a heat pump COP of 6.4: Effective cost per BTU delivered = $0.20/kWh / (COP 6.4 x 3,412 BTU/kWh) = $0.0092 per BTU Gas heater at $1.50/therm and 80% efficiency = $1.50 / (100,000 BTU x 0.80) = $0.0188 per BTU Result: the B+D heat pump at COP 6.4 delivers heat at roughly half the cost per BTU of a standard gas heater at current NY energy prices. For a pool owner spending $600 per season on gas heating, the equivalent heat pump operating cost is approximately $290 to $310 per season. |
Seasonal Cost Comparison: Gas vs. Heat Pump by Pool Size
These estimates are based on NY-area energy costs, a 90-day active pool season, and standard usage patterns. Heat pump costs assume COP 5 to 6 as the operational average across the season (lower COP in spring when ambient temps are cooler, higher in summer). Gas heater costs assume 80% efficiency at standard NY residential gas rates.
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Pool Size |
Gas Heater Seasonal Cost |
Heat Pump Seasonal Cost |
Annual Savings (Heat Pump) |
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Up to 7,500 gal (above ground / small IG) |
$280 to $450/season |
$80 to $140/season |
$140 to $310 per season |
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7,500 to 10,000 gal (standard IG) |
$400 to $650/season |
$120 to $190/season |
$210 to $460 per season |
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10,000 to 15,000 gal (mid-size IG) |
$550 to $900/season |
$160 to $260/season |
$290 to $640 per season |
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15,000 to 25,000 gal (large IG) |
$750 to $1,200/season |
$220 to $360/season |
$390 to $840 per season |
The savings numbers above are per-season recurring savings. They compound year after year, which is what makes the payback calculation so favorable once you account for the full ownership period rather than just the purchase price.
How Quickly Does a Heat Pump Pay for Itself?
The question every pool owner asks: yes, the heat pump is more efficient, but how long until I actually break even? Here is the payback math for the three products available at PoolPartsToGo, compared to common gas heater replacement scenarios:
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Scenario |
Heat Pump Cost |
Gas Heater Cost |
Annual Savings |
Payback Period |
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7,500 gal pool, replacing $1,200 gas heater |
$1,499.99 |
$1,200 |
~$225/yr |
~1.3 yrs after purchase parity |
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10,000 gal pool, ComforTemp 53K vs $1,500 gas |
$1,599.99 |
$1,500 |
~$335/yr |
~1.0 yr after purchase parity |
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10,000 gal pool, B+D 53K vs $1,500 gas |
$2,199.99 |
$1,500 |
~$335/yr |
~2.1 yrs after purchase parity |
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10,000 gal pool, B+D 53K vs $2,000 gas |
$2,199.99 |
$2,000 |
~$335/yr |
~0.6 yrs after purchase parity |
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Gas heater already dead; heat pump vs $2,000 replacement |
$1,599.99 |
$2,000 |
~$335/yr |
Immediate $400 savings at purchase + ongoing fuel savings |
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The Most Important Row in That Table If your gas heater has already failed and you are comparing a heat pump to a new gas heater replacement, the ComforTemp 53K at $1,599.99 costs less to purchase than a comparable mid-range gas heater installed at $2,000 to $2,500. You save money on day one at purchase and then save $300 to $460 per season on fuel in every subsequent year. There is no payback calculation required: the heat pump is the better financial choice on both upfront cost and ongoing cost in this scenario. |
Which Heat Pump Is Right for Your Pool and Budget?
Three heat pumps are available at PoolPartsToGo in the 32K to 53K BTU range. Here is how they compare across the specs that matter most for energy efficiency and financial return:
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Feature |
ComforTemp 32K |
ComforTemp 53K |
B+D 53K |
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Price |
$1,499.99 |
$1,599.99 |
$2,199.99 |
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Was / List |
$2,800 |
$3,331.99 |
$3,431.99 |
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BTU |
32,000 |
53,000 |
53,000 |
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Pool size |
Up to 7,500 gal |
Up to 10,000 gal |
Up to 10,000 gal |
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Confirmed COP |
Not stated |
Not stated |
6.4 (confirmed) |
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SKU |
Not stated |
Not stated |
BDXBT53 |
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Voltage |
208 to 230V |
208 to 230V |
208 to 230V |
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Breaker |
Confirm page |
Confirm page |
16 to 25A |
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Physical size |
Check page |
Check page |
27x27x30 inches |
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Ti condenser |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Self-diagnostics |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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BT certified |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Salt water |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Warranty |
1-year |
1-year |
1-year |
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Best for |
Budget-first buyers, pools 7,500 gal or under |
Best value at 10K gal tier |
Confirmed COP 6.4, fastest payback at higher gas costs |
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ComforTemp 53K vs B+D 53K: The $600 Decision Same BTU, same pool size, same titanium condenser. The B+D 53K costs $600 more ($2,199.99 vs $1,599.99) and carries a confirmed COP of 6.4. The ComforTemp 53K does not publish a specific COP figure on its product page, though its underlying technology is similar. When the B+D makes more sense: If you are replacing a gas heater that was costing $700 to $900 per season, the higher COP of the B+D means the annual savings difference justifies paying more upfront. At $300 to $460/year in savings, the extra $600 pays back in 1 to 2 seasons. When the ComforTemp makes more sense: If your gas heater was already low-cost or you are adding heating to an unheated pool, the ComforTemp 53K at $1,599.99 delivers the same BTU rating at a lower entry price and typically pays back in under two seasons regardless of COP differential. |
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Before You Order: Non-Returnable Policy + Electrical Requirements All three heat pumps are non-returnable once shipped per PPTG policy. All require 208 to 230V dedicated electrical service installed by a licensed electrician. Confirm your pool volume and available electrical service before ordering. The B+D 53K requires a 16 to 25A dedicated breaker. Confirm breaker requirements for the ComforTemp models on their product pages. |
Shop Heat Pumps at PoolPartsToGo
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BLACK+DECKER (Confirmed COP 6.4, Fastest Payback at 10K Gal) $2,199.99 (was $3,431.99) Energy-Saving BLACK+DECKER Pool Heat Pump 53,000 BTU 53,000 BTU for pools up to 10,000 gallons. Confirmed COP of 6.4 means 6.4 units of heat delivered per unit of electricity consumed. Titanium corrosion-resistant condenser for salt and fresh water. Self-diagnostic microprocessor. BT certified. 208 to 230V, 16 to 25A breaker required. Physical size 27x27x30 inches. 1-year limited warranty. Freight delivery. Winter cover sold separately. |
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ComforTemp (Best Value at 10,000 Gallon Tier) $1,599.99 (was $3,331.99) Energy-Saving ComforTemp Pool Heat Pump 53,000 BTU 53,000 BTU for pools up to 10,000 gallons at the best price in this capacity tier. Titanium condenser for fresh and salt water. Self-diagnostic microprocessor with LED indicators. BT certified. 208 to 230V service required. 1-year limited warranty. Saves $600 versus the B+D 53K at equivalent BTU output. Freight delivery. |
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ComforTemp (Most Affordable, Up to 7,500 Gallons) $1,499.99 (was $2,800.00) Energy-Saving ComforTemp Pool Heat Pump 32,000 BTU 32,000 BTU for pools up to 7,500 gallons. The most affordable heat pump in the PPTG lineup at $1,499.99. Same titanium condenser, self-diagnostic microprocessor, and BT certification as the 53K. Ideal for smaller inground pools, larger above-ground pools, and budget-first buyers who want heat pump efficiency without the larger unit's price tag. 208 to 230V service required. 1-year limited warranty. Freight delivery. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a heat pump actually lower my electric bill or just replace my gas bill?
A heat pump will increase your electric bill and eliminate your gas heating bill. The net effect on your total energy spending is strongly positive: the cost of electricity to run a heat pump is significantly less than the cost of gas to produce equivalent heat output, especially at NY energy prices. A pool owner spending $600 per season on gas will typically spend $250 to $310 on electricity to produce the same heating with a COP 5 to 6 heat pump. The electric bill goes up; the overall heating bill goes down by $300 to $350 per season.
How do I know if my specific gas heater is running inefficiently?
The most reliable method is to track your gas meter or monthly bill against pool heater runtime. If your gas consumption per hour of heater runtime has increased from what it was 3 to 5 years ago, efficiency has degraded. A pool service technician can also measure actual BTU output versus rated BTU output during a diagnostic visit. Heaters showing more than 15 percent reduction from rated output are operating with meaningful efficiency loss.
Is there a meaningful difference between COP 5 and COP 6.4 in real operating costs?
Yes, and the difference compounds over a season. At 600 hours of operation per season and 5 kW of electrical draw, the difference between COP 5 and COP 6.4 represents approximately $18 to $25 in annual electricity cost. That is modest on its own. The more significant impact is at higher usage: pool owners who extend their season into October or start in April see more operating hours and a larger absolute savings from higher COP. For a pool owner running 800 or more hours per season, the COP 6.4 B+D model earns back its $600 price premium over the ComforTemp 53K in 2 to 3 seasons.
What size heat pump do I need for my pool?
The standard sizing guideline is 5 to 6 BTU per gallon of pool volume for NY seasonal conditions. A 7,500-gallon pool is well-served by the ComforTemp 32K (32,000 BTU). Pools up to 10,000 gallons are the right target for both the ComforTemp 53K and the B+D 53K. For pools above 10,000 gallons, look at the broader PPTG heat pump lineup which includes 80K, 95K, 110K, 125K, and 137K BTU options across both brands. Undersizing is the most common heat pump purchase mistake: an undersized pump runs constantly and still cannot reach target temperature on cool days.
Can I install a heat pump myself or do I need a contractor?
The plumbing connection (series with your existing pump and filter) is within the skill range of an experienced DIYer who is comfortable with PVC pool plumbing. The electrical connection is not: all three heat pumps require a dedicated 208 to 230V circuit, which must be installed by a licensed electrician in most states. Plan for a half-day electrical installation in addition to the plumbing. All models ship freight, so coordinate the delivery date with your installation schedule.
Do the ComforTemp heat pumps come with a warranty?
Both ComforTemp models include a 1-year limited warranty. The B+D 53K also carries a 1-year limited warranty. Warranty service is backed by US-based support at PPTG. Note that heat pumps are non-returnable once shipped, so confirm sizing and electrical requirements before ordering. The warranty covers manufacturing defects but not improper installation or operation outside the unit's specified parameters.
Stop Paying Your Gas Heater's Retirement Fund
Every season you keep a degraded gas heater running is another $400 to $800 in fuel costs, plus repairs, plus service visits. A correctly sized heat pump converts that ongoing drain into a one-time investment that pays back within one to three seasons and then runs at a fraction of the operating cost for the next 15 to 20 years. All three models below are in stock, ship free, and are ready for this season.
